The insistence of US President Donald Trump on bringing Greenland under American control has triggered a new diplomatic crisis. Trump’s decision to appoint a “special envoy” to the island prompted strong reactions from both Denmark and the Greenlandic authorities, while the European Union and Nordic countries voiced their support for Copenhagen.

Washington’s move has once again pushed Greenland’s political status and the broader power struggle in the Arctic region to the top of the international agenda.

Special Envoy Appointment Escalates US–Denmark Tensions

US President Donald Trump ignited fresh tensions with Denmark by appointing a special envoy for Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump’s long-standing claim that the United States “must have Greenland” has now taken a more concrete form with this appointment.

The decision to name Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy drew sharp criticism not only from Denmark but also from the Greenlandic government and the European Union.

Trump Cites National Security Concerns

Trump argues that Greenland is indispensable to US “national security.” Speaking to the BBC, he reiterated that “we have to have Greenland,” pointing to the presence of Chinese and Russian vessels in Arctic waters as a growing security threat.

While insisting that his interest in Greenland is not driven by mineral resources, Trump suggested that he would not entirely rule out the use of force to achieve US objectives, further fueling international concern.

Jeff Landry’s Statement Draws Backlash

Following his appointment, Jeff Landry stated on social media platform X that it was “an honor to serve in this voluntary position to help make Greenland part of the United States.” He also claimed that the role would not interfere with his responsibilities as governor of Louisiana.

The remarks triggered strong reactions in Denmark, where officials described the statement as provocative and unacceptable.

Denmark and Greenland Reject Washington’s Move

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the appointment as “extremely irritating” and announced that the US ambassador to Copenhagen would be summoned. Emphasizing that Denmark is a kingdom comprising Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, Rasmussen said, “We cannot accept initiatives that undermine our territorial integrity.”

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressed that the appointment had no legal or political validity for the island. “We decide our own future. Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people,” Nielsen said, delivering a clear message to Washington.

European Support for Copenhagen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the EU stands in “full solidarity” with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Sweden and Norway were also among the countries that openly expressed their support for Copenhagen amid the escalating dispute.

Arctic Rivalry and Greenland’s Strategic Importance

Home to around 57,000 people, Greenland has enjoyed broad internal autonomy since 1979, while defense and foreign policy remain under Danish authority. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Greenlanders favor eventual independence from Denmark but strongly oppose becoming part of the United States.

As melting ice opens new shipping routes, competition among the US, China, and Russia in the Arctic continues to intensify. Within this context, Greenland holds a critical position in NATO and US security planning.

The United States has maintained a military base on the island since World War II. Earlier this year, US Vice President JD Vance visited the base and called on the Greenlandic people to “make a deal with the United States,” underscoring Washington’s growing focus on the strategically vital Arctic territory.